FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - THE GAMBIA (15 September)
Crop development is generally satisfactory. Following widespread and above-average rains from late June to early August, precipitation decreased significantly during the second dekad of August. However, rains improved in late August and remained abundant in early September, preventing crop water stress. Coarse grains and upland rice crops are developing satisfactorily, while recently transplanted rice is emerging or tillering. Harvest prospects are favourable. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled in October to estimate 2000 cereal production.
Following a record crop in 1999, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are well supplied. Cereal imports for domestic use and re- export during the 1999/2000 marketing year are estimated at 114 000 tonnes.